Friday, 23 March 2018

Finance Fridays - Railcards

We were looking at cutting costs on everyday spending for last week's Finance Fridays. This week we are talking about Railcards. Last week a new Railcard was launched but not without controversy. It was available to those aged 26-30 but only an initial allocation of 10,000 cards were issued despite there being around 5 million people in the country potentially eligible for it. If you did want one but wasn't able to get one this time around it is hoped that the 26-30 Railcard will be extended at a later date.

The rush for the 26-30 Railcard was because you can get up to ⅓ off the price of off peak rail fares. We have a Family and Friends Railcard and found just one long distance journey saved us more than three times the annual price. There are lots of Railcards about and some are region specific but below I have listed the main one available nationally. I have never paid the full asking price for our Railcard and I have quoted some discount codes which I found either online or in the leaflets pictured. Do have a search online before buying to see if you can get a bigger discount.

Always make you sure you have the right Railcard with you when buying and travelling otherwise you will be required to pay full price.

Eligibility – Named adult travelling with up to 4 children aged 5-15. You can have two named adults on the Railcard but you are only issued with one physical card. Once you receive your card the 'friends' element of it is that you can get discounted rail tickets for up to 4 adults as long as you are all travelling together. If your child is under 5 you can still get this Railcard but you will need to buy them a child's ticket when normally children aged 0-4 don't need one. However, if the tickets are eligible for the discount this can be a far cheaper option.

Ticket restrictions – Discount available on Standard Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares across the National Rail network. Discount not available on tickets for morning peak period services Monday to Friday for journeys wholly within the London and South East Network Railcard area. Morning Off -Peak services vary by route – usually this services before 9.30am but do check when purchasing your tickets.

Savings – Up to ⅓ off adult fares and 60% off children's fares subject to a minimum fare of £1. In January I travelled with the two Junior JibberJabbers and the fare should have been £41 but with the Railcard it was only £21. Discount codes – Available for online applications only. Until 23.59 on 30th March 2018 if you use the code EASTER20 you can save 20% which makes the Railcard £24 per year instead of £30 per year. If you miss this deadline use LEAFLET3 to get £3 off.

Eligibility – Anyone aged 16-25 and full-time students over 25. If you are aged over 25 you will need your university or college to complete the relevant section on the application form and show either your college/university ID or NUS card.

Ticket restrictions – Discount available on Standard Anytime and Off-Peak and all Standard and First Class Advance fares across the National Rail network. If you travel before 10.00 Monday to Friday a minimum fare of £12 applies to your journey (excluding Advance fares). The minimum fare does not apply on public holidays or throughout July and August.

Savings – Up to ⅓ off eligible fares plus offers from Virgin Experience Days, YHA and up to 60% off theatre tickets.

Eligibility – Anyone aged 60 years or over.Ticket restrictions – Discount available on any Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares across the National Rail network. Discount not available on tickets for morning peak periods services Monday to Friday, for journeys wholly within the London and South East Network Railcard area.

Savings – Up to ⅓ off eligible fares plus offers from Virgin Experience Days, Warner Leisure Hotels and up to 60% off theatre tickets.

Two Together Railcard – Full cost £30 per year (£15 each)Eligibility – Two named cardholders travelling together. Each cardholder must be 16 years old.

Ticket restrictions – You must travel together. Discount available on any Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares across the the National Rail network. Discount not available on tickets for travel between 4.30am and 9.29am Monday to Friday.

Savings – Up to ⅓ off eligible fares plus offers from Virgin Experience Days, Haven Holidays and up to 60% off theatre tickets.

If you want to join in with this week's Finance Fridays then add your link to the linky below. Any post concerning financial matters is allowed. Full details here. It doesn't have to be published today as you have until 23.55 on Tuesday 27th March 2018 to join in.

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